The Property

The Masonic Hall is a former Ebenenezer Chapel, which was originally established c.1800 and subsequently rebuilt in 1848 and is located in a quiet side street in the very heart of the sought after market town of Malmesbury. Since 1958, the property has been used as a Masonic Hall and has been extended offering a gross internal floor area of approximately 3600 sq.ft incorporating the 12m x 8m main hall and former chapel with its original (now hidden) balcony.  The main hall has a typically high chapel ceiling and is lit by large windows to the front and rear.  The adjoining cottage to the left is Grade II listed and has been incorporated into the property whilst over the years, various single storey extensions have taken place, creating ancillary rooms and a large open plan reception room plus WC facilities and kitchen etc.  To the rear, the building opens to its own garden, now overgrown and unkempt. Mains gas is connected providing heating via a gas boiler to various radiators.

The property, which is understood not to be listed (although sits within the Malmesbury Conservation Area), is now for sale and subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents , would suit a variety of uses and could potentially be restored to a place of worship, and would make an excellent entertainment facility, or perhaps conversion to residential use or offices.  Any interested parties should make their own investigations to the relevant planning authorities. 

History

In 1792 a cottage was certified for Independent meetings and the Church was formed in 1796. At first services were held in a cottage near the present King's Walk but it was too small and before 1800 they acquired two cottages in Silver Street, which they converted into the Ebenezer chapel. Many of the congregation united with the Westport Presbyterians after 1812 and this movement flourished at first but did not ultimately prosper. Some were opposed to the merger and in 1841, as the friends of the Old Independent Church, they took over the Silver Street building.

This was enlarged or rebuilt in 1848 and again called the Ebenezer chapel. New seating was installed in 1885, providing accommodation for 300, and an adjacent cottage was acquired to provide two classrooms. In 1914 there was no settled minister and a union with the Westport Congregationalists was suggested but was resisted by the deacons. Instead the church prospered alone and the building was refurbished in the late 1920s. In 1952 the Independents were formally united with the Westport Congregational Church and moved to their building in St. Mary's Street. The St Aldhelm Chapter of Freemasons, formed in 1906, moved here in 1958 and has been used since then to the present day. 

Situation

The property is located in a quiet side street in the very heart of Malmesbury within a minutes walk of its bustling High Street.  Malmesbury is an ancient hilltop town situated on the southern edge of The Cotswolds. Traditionally a market town serving the rural area of North West Wiltshire, the town is reputed to be the oldest borough in England created by Charter in 880 AD by Alfred the Great. Today, the High Street has numerous independent shops, pubs and restaurants including a new Aldi, Waitrose store and a regular weekly Farmer's market whilst the town has excellent choice of both primary and secondary schools and good recreational and leisure facilities. The M4 motorway (J17) to the south provides fast road access to the major employment centres of Bristol and Swindon together with London and the West Country. Main line rail services are available from Chippenham and Kemble (Paddington in about 75 minutes).

Additional Information

The property has a Possessory Title and is therefore available to cash buyers only. 

Mains gas is connected. Current rateable value (1 April 2023 to present) £5,500.